Illustrations

The Schembart books are richly illustrated, mostly with coloured pen-and-ink drawings. The illustrations show the Schembart runners in their costumes, the coats of arms of the captains and, for the festivals from 1475 onwards, the respective parade floats known as ‘Höllen’ (hells). All other costumed figures that were added, especially in 1518 and 1539, when particularly large numbers of people took part in the runs, are also depicted: demons, wild men, mythical creatures, Orientals and various animals. Vivid images have also been preserved of all other events of the Nuremberg Fastnacht, such as the butchers' dance and the tournament known as Gesellenstechen.

Nürnberg, GNM Hs 5664, 64r